The Erie Canal Bridge in Fairport has been closed since last fall, but that hasn't stopped traffic from piling up in the middle of downtown.

Multiple tractor trailers have ignored the warnings and have gotten stuck in the heart of the village.

John Pierri, who owns the Landing Bar and Grille, has seen it several times.

“Tractor trailers will make the turn, come all the way down to where they can’t go any further and they are stuck,” Pierri explained.

Police Chief Samuel Farina says trying to remove a tractor trailer puts a strain on their resources.

He also warns that fines for motorist violations could reach up to $350.

“It’s unfair to motoring public when they have to needlessly wait for a tractor trailer that finds their way into the village and disobeys our detour sign. We ask the tractor trailers to be conscience of that and respect the other drivers of the road,” Farina said.

While inconvenient, Pierri says Fairport residents have adjusted to the bridge closure.

"It's been funny because we are all projected a certain amount of decrease in business. I projected about two and a half percent. It wasn't that much of an effect," said Pierri.

Pierri points out crews have been working on the bridge around the clock.

He believes it might reopen by the summer.

“They’re making a lot of progress on this bridge. We’re encouraging everybody that’s living in the area to come down. Fairport is open and ready for business, (and) hopefully they are ahead of schedule. I know that. Maybe they can wrap this up earlier than they thought," said Pierri.

Fairport on the Rise provides updates on when Erie Canal Bridge reconstruction will be complete.

Pierri said that even if the construction falls behind schedule, all fall and winter events will move forward as planned.